Local Places We Love | Pittsburgh, Akron + Surrounding Areas

When Jami visited a few weeks ago over her Spring Break I took a few days off and we decided to explore a little bit!!  For our first day trip, we chose to head a few hours east to Pittsburgh - a trip, of course, anchored by Ikea :o)  After spending way too much money there (Jami was well-behaved, I bought an entire bedroom set - photos to come later!) and getting lost in Crafton (long story!) we ended up in the fun Eastside Area!

Pittsburgh
BRGR - We landed at BRGR and it was just what we needed after getting lost - a gorgeous, western-decorated venue with a fantastic indoor/outdoor seating area.  A few beers (they had Breckenridge Avalanche - my favorite!) and some tasty appetizers (Fried Pickles, BRGR Fries with Truffle Cheese Whiz and Grilled Cheese Bites - YUM!!) later we were happily full and planning our next trip back to Pittsburgh just to visit BRGR :o)

Vanilla Pastry Studio - After yumminess at BRGR, Jami and I walked just down the street to the adorable Vanilla Pastry Studio.  Clad in pretty pinks and pastel greens, the bakery was the perfect place to tantilize our tastebuds :o)  We ordered a delicious Strawberry Shortcake cupcake and some Chocolate Truffle cookies for the road!  Definitely worth a visit next time around :o)

After our trek across state lines, Jami and I decided we would take a day to venture around to some fun, local spots.  A few I was already in love with and a few were new even to me!!

Kent
Wild Goats Cafe - Jami and I started our day out in Kent where Ilario and I both went to college - it has certainly changed a lot since we roamed the streets!  One of the places that hasn't changed is Wild Goats Cafe - why I'd never been there before is beyond me.

We walked into the quaint little restaurant only to be greeted with amazing bakery sights (cinnamon rolls the size of your head!) and smells (did I mention the cinnamon rolls?!?!).  After ordering two flavored hot chocolates (raspberry for me, peanut butter for Jami - AMAZING!), we finally settled on food choices (Fresh Mozzarella on Pretzel Bread with a side of Griddle Fried Cheese Grits for me and The California on Ciabatta with a side of Pepper Jack Bacon Mac and Cheese for Jami - we split everything because it was too good not to share!).  The staff is incredible friendly and the food is to die for - highly recommended :o)

Figleaf - After our tasty lunch, we headed further down the street to one of my new favorites places - Figleaf!  This open and airy clothing boutique is organized by color (which truly satisfies the OCD portion of my brain, lol!) and is full of the latest styles and fashions for very affordable prices.  It's wonderful :o)

Monroe Falls
Cupcake Binge! - Our next stop was a pleasant, unplanned surprise!  While driving through Monroe Falls, we got stopped by the traffic light and noticed a word that caught our eyes "CUPCAKE"!!  Needless to say, we made a unanimous decision to turn the car around and take a look :o)

Cupcake Binge! is a new cupcake bar - a literal bar with booze and cupcakes!  If you ask me, it doesn't get any better than that :o)  Surprisingly, it does get even better once you taste the amazing organic cupcakes - Jami and I opted for a Red Velvet with Cream Cheese Frosting and Strawberry Explosion.  We'll certainly be going back there again!!

Akron
The Bomb Shelter - I don't think I'll ever be able to describe the awesomeness that is The Bomb Shelter - a 12,000 square foot "Retro Superstore" - other than to say Jami and I were in heaven.  Antique pickers heaven :o)  From the vintage claw-foot tub when you walk in to the old school posters hanging on the wall - if you love anything vintage, retro or antique you must visit The Bomb Shelter!  I left with a slew of milk glass (YAY!) and Jami left drooling, lol!

NOTO - After the Bomb Shelter, we headed off to see the lady who told me about the amazing shop - Lauren of NOTO!  Nestled in the Mocha Maiden area of Downtown beside Urban Eats and Musica, NOTO is hands down my favorite local clothing boutique to shop - not only do I get to visit with the lovely Lauren while I peruse, but she is so great at styling that I always end up leaving knowing a unique way to wear what I bought :o)  Definitely a must when downtown!

Bonus:  NOTO is hosting The Northside Fashion Show on Saturday, May 5th at Northside Lofts!  I can't wait :o)

UnCorked Wine Bar - After a little bit of shopping, Lauren suggested we stop in at UnCorked Wine Bar in the space above NOTO (after she told me about The Bomb Shelter, I definitely listen to her suggestions - lol!).  A few glasses of wine and a cheese platter later in the chic, modern gallery-type space and Jami and I couldn't have been happier!

Cuyahoga Falls
Room 9 Boutique - One quick last stop that day for us at Room 9 Boutique here in Cuyahoga Falls and we were spent :o)  Jami and I have a serious love for the fun, little clothing boutique - we always end up finding something we just have to have!!

Flury's Cafe - Earlier in the week, Jami, Intern Brittany and I all went out for lunch at Flury's Cafe and I certainly couldn't leave it out of our local places because it is SO tasty :o)  In fact, during Ilario's Spring Break this week we went again.  I recommend the Biscuits and Gravy - they'll melt your brain with their yumminess!

The Blue Door Cafe & Bakery - This might not be a place we visited while Jami was in town, but it's too wonderful not to mention!  Located in the old Golden Goose building at the corner of State and Broad - this fabulous, organic european-style cafe does not disappoint.  Must trys when you visit:  Anything on the specials menu (they're always unique and delicious!), Nueske Bacon and their rich, creamy hot chocolate!!